Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am coming to that matter. The presidential election and two referenda were held last year. We need now to reflect on whether it is good to hold more than one referendum on the same day, taking into account the simplicity or complexity of the issues involved.

I can assure Deputy Martin that a great deal of work has been done on the proposal in regard to the abolition of the Seanad. This will require the deletion of all references to the Seanad in the Constitution. In addition to deleting all Articles which establish the Seanad it will also be necessary to amend Articles which primarily deal with other matters but which vest specific constitutional functions in the Seanad or in its members. The types of functions which will have to be considered in this context include, for example, the Seanad's role in triggering the process for determining whether a Bill constitutes a money Bill, motions for early signature of Bills by the President and membership of the Cathaoirleach of the Presidential Commission. This work is being overseen by the Department of the Taoiseach. A great deal of that work has been done.

Deputy Martin asked when the referendum will be held. Perhaps he might offer a suggestion. The children's rights referendum will be held in the autumn. It is hoped that ongoing work in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will enable publication of the relevant legislation following the Dáil recess, at which time a date for the holding of that referendum will be fixed. It is a complex issue and should be dealt with by way of stand-alone referendum. Ireland holds the Presidency of the European Union from 1 January to end June 2013, during which time the Government and Ministers will be required to focused on dealing with issues affecting this country and on issues relating to the responsibilities of our Presidency. Deputy Martin will be aware that in terms of Presidency of the European Union Ireland follows Cyprus and precedes Lithuania and Greece.

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